On a Sunday in October for the past 14 years, Albert’s Diamond Jewelers has invited the community to gather together and share in a common vision: A world free of Multiple Sclerosis (MS.) This year, on October 7, Albert’s will hold its Annual MS Auction. Every cent raised through the auction will go toward research to prevent the progression of MS, restore lost function, and ultimately end the disease. Last year, Albert’s Diamond Jewelers was able to write a check for $220,000 to the National MS Society Indiana Chapter.
The MS Society’s Indiana Chapter connects over 8,000 Hoosiers in 90 counties living with Multiple Sclerosis to the support they need to move their lives forward. Their mission is to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the needs of everyone affected by multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often progressive disease that attacks the central nervous system. At onset, symptoms may be mild, such as a numbness in the limbs. Symptoms may then progress to more severe symptoms such as paralysis or loss of vision.
For Joshua Halpern, President of Albert’s Diamond Jewelers, and his father and former President of Albert’s, Fred, the choice to make the MS Society a charity of choice was a personal one. Donna Halpern, the wife of Fred and mother of Josh, has been living with Multiple Sclerosis for over 40 years. Despite living with MS for most of her life, Donna remains positive and believes that there are people who have it far worse than she does. Her strength and example of perseverance remains at the heart of Albert’s Diamond Jewelers’ mission.
Part of auction proceeds go toward the National MS Society’s MS Navigator Program. MS Navigators are highly-skilled professionals equipped to respond to any needs, be they pertinent questions pertaining to MS—such as how to face challenges with symptoms and manage difficult life changes— or knowledge of all options available to MS patients and family members—such as identifying appropriate treatment options and accessing optimal healthcare. Whether you yourself suffer from MS or you know someone who does, the National MS Society is your partner.
Another advantage of an MS Navigator is the ability one has in linking you to every available resource. An MS Navigator can connect you to others living with MS, bolstering your strength in a sense of community. A Navigator can also access comprehensive educational programs and assist you in financial planning. Plus, an MS Navigator is professionally trained in the best ways to help you deal with crises and maintain independence.
An opportunity to help fund this wonderful cause is fast approaching. Albert’s Diamond Jewelers is proud to host its 15th Annual MS Auction on Sunday, October 7 from 1:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m. All event and promotional expenses are covered by Albert’s, friends, volunteers, and partners. This means that 100% of every dollar raised will go directly to the National MS Society.
Your generosity helps make this auction a success, and positively impacts the thousands of individuals living with MS in Indiana and the millions world-wide. Each year, we are one step closer to fulfilling the vision of a world free of MS!
Albert’s Diamond Jewelers is currently accepting donations and baskets. If you would like to donate or have any questions regarding the upcoming auction, please email msauction@albertsjewelers.com. As Josh Halpern put it when he and his staff last donated their check to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, “We exist to serve others.”
To help you navigate all the challenges that come with MS, receive a personalized response to your unique needs by contacting the National MS Society (p: 1-800-344-4867, e: contactusnmss@nmss.org)